Pipe uncoupling mechanism



Aug. 16, 1932. A. E. MARTOIS VPIPE UNCOUPLING MECHANISM.

Filed Feb. '7. 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet l l/v l/E/V role." flr/Avr f: mar/01's., 2

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Aug. 16, 1932. A. E. MARTOIS PIPE UNCQUPLING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 7. 192.9

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Patented Aug. 16, 1932 ARTHUR E. ivrenrors, or common} oALIroR-nIA PIPE UNCOUIP'LING: MECHANISM Application filed February 7, 1929. Sfil'ial No. 338,091.

My invention relates to mechanism for uncoupling lengths of pipe or casing and it relates particularly to a device which may be used for uncoupling or coupling pipe or casing which is being removed from or inserted into an oil well.

In order that my invention may be readily understood I will briefly refer to the oil producing industry. In this industry various tubular members such as drill pipe and pump tubing are extended into the well. These pipes or tubing are composed of lengths which are connected together by couplings. ll'hen the members, for example the drill pipe are removed from the well it is necessary disconnect the lengths of pipe at their joints. Due to the fact that the joints are made very tight considerable power is re quired to break the joints. When once a joint is broken however the two adjacent lengths of pipe are very easily rotated relative to each other and the drill pipe is completely uncoupled at this joint.

According to present practice the joint is broken and uncoupled in the following manner The lower part of the drill pipe is held rigidly from rotation by means ofa rotary machine or by means of a tong attached to the drill pipe below the joint where the drill pipe is to be uncoupled. Secured to the drill pipe above the joint is a second tong which is associated with a mechanism capable of exertii a tremendous force capable of breaking the joint. When once the joint has been i broken the tong connected to the upper length of drill pipe is then rotated until the two parts of the drill pipe are completely separated. In view of the fact that derrick equipment prevents a man from walking entirely around the drill pipe it is common practice to place three or four men in a circle and to have them pass the handle of the tong from one man to another thus causing the tong and the upper part of the drill pipe to be rotated. It is usually necessary to rotate i l '5 upper part of the drill pipe four or five rotations before the joint is uncoupled. It should be obvious that this practice not only so requires excessive time but is additionally exreferring to the accompanying claims.

pensive, since it requires the services of three or four men.

It is a broad object of my invention to provide mechanical means whereby the drill pipe may be uncoupled in an expeditious manner after the'joint has been broken by the powerful means ordinarily provided in the derrick of the well.

Another object of my inventionis to provide an uncoupling means adapted to operate in conjunction with a joint breaking means. 1 Y

In the preferred form of my invention I desire to combine the uncoupling features with the joint breaking features disclosed in my application entitled Tong operating mechanism, filed in the Patent Oflice on November 12, 1928, Serial No. 318,716. 1

My invention is'susceptible of embodiment in various forms, all of which are included in the-principle of operation which I have conceived. One form of my invention illustrated in thedrawings accompanying this description includes a ratchet mechanism associated with the tong attached to the drill 75 pipe or equivalent member above the joint and associated with ameans for operating the ratchet. By operating the ratchet the tong is rotated, the upper part of the drill pipe being rotated therewith. In this man her the drill pipe is quickly uncoupled.

Another form of my invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings utilizes the same member in the form of gear means for rotating the upper part of the drill pipe. In 85 this form of the invention'I prefer to provide the gear on the upper tong, which gear is engaged with a small gear rotated by suit.- able operating mechanism.v The small gear rotates the gear on the upper part of the drill pipe and in this manner uncouplesthe drill pipe atv the joint. I

In view of the fact that my invention is susceptible of various embodiments I do not wish my showing of only two forms of the invention tov be construed as a disclaimer of other' forms of my invention; but intend that the scope of the invention be decided by Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of my invention utilizing a ratchet means for uncoupling the drill pipe.

Fig. 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view of the portion of the tong of my invention which embodies certain features of construction.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the form of my invention utilizing gear means for uncoupling the drill pipe.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are sections taken on the' corresponding lines of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a view of the tong utilized in this second form of my invention.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, the numeral 11 represents a rotary machine having a rotary table 12 through which a drill pipe 13 is extended. As shown in Fig. 2, the drill pipe 13 has a oint14 consisting of an upper part 15 and a lower part 16. The lower part 16 has a suitable tong indicated at 17 connected thereto to serve as a means for restraining the lower part of the drill pipe 13 from rotating. The upper part 15 has a tong 19 connected thereto, through which the upper part 15 is rotatedrelative to the lower part 16. by means of my invention, which will now be described.

Supported by the rotary machine 11 is a frame 22 which supports a horizontal shaft 23. Secured on the shaft23 is a sprocket 24 driven from suitable mechanism at the side of the derrick by means of a chain 25. Se-

cured on the shaft 23 is a worm 26 adapted to engage a worm wheel 27 secured to a vertical shaft 28. The horizontal shaft 23 and the vertical shaft 28 are supported in suitable bearings provided by the frame 22. Secured to the shaft 28 at its upper end is an eccentric member 30, which also serves as a crank.

Referring particularly to the tong .19, the

' details thereof will be described.

-' the parts 32 tightly around the part 15 of the joint 14. The arm 36 is loeked in the position shown in Fig. 1 by means of a pivoted latch 38 having a latching end 39 adapted to extend into a pocket and engage a wall 40 of one of the parts 32. The two parts 32 of the tong 19 cooperate to provide a eylindrical wall 41 havingteeth 42 which engage the joint 14 when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1.

Secured to the upper part of the tong 19 is a ring 44, which consists of two parts 45, one of which is located on each part 32 of the tong 19. The ring 44 has an inwardly projecting lip 46. Formed on the parts 32 in the same plane as the lip 46 and complementary thereto is an outwardly extending lip 47. The ring 44 and the adjacent portions ofthe tong 19 cooperate to provide an annular channel 48 which is restricted at its upper part. v

Adapted to operate in the annular channel 48 is a slide block 50. The slide block 50 has portions 51 adapted to extend below the flanges 46 and 47 and in this manner the slide block is prevented from moving out of the annular channel 48. It is, however, free to slide into any position in the annular channel 48. Extending upward from the slide block 50 is a pivot post 53 on which a pawl 54 is pivoted. The pawl 54 has teeth 55 formed on an arm 56 thereof. The teeth 55 are adapted to engage and cooperate with teeth'58 formed on an annular projection 59, which extends upward at the top portion of the tong 19. The pawl 54 has a lug 56 adapted to engage a stop 5O which extends upward from the slide block 50. That engagement, takes place when the pawl is moved out of engagement with the teeth 58. The pawl 54 has an arm 60 which extends substantially ninety degrees to the arm 56 and pivoted to the outer end of the arm 60 is a link'61. The link 61 extends to the cam member or crank 30 and is eccentrically pivoted thereto at 62.

Formed in one of the parts 32 is a socket 63. Removably' received in the socket 63 is one end of a handle 64. The handle is adapted to be engaged by the cam member 30.

The operation of this form of my invention is as follows.

The tong 17 and the tong 19 are attached to the lower and upper parts of the joint as illustrated. The tong 19 is attached in such a position that the handle 64'extends in substantially the position shown in Fig. 1, so that it will be engaged by the cam member 30. At this time the link 61 is disconnected from the cam member 30. The vertical shaft is then set into operation by the mechanism shown so that the cam member 30 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 of Fig. 1. This causes the cam member to move from full line position in Fig. 1 into a. position indicated by broken lines 67. The cam member 30, due to its engagement with the arm or handle 64, causes that arm to move into the position indicated by broken lines 68. The mechanism is quite powerful and is capable of exerting a force on the handle 64 capable of breaking the joint 14. When once the joint is broken but little force is required to rotate the upper and lower parts 15 and 16 thereof in order to completely uncouple these parts.

The next step in the operation is to remove the handle 64 and to connect the link 61 to the cam member 30.. When this has been accomplished the operating mechanism is set into operation and the cam member is passed through complete revolutions so that it is now utilized, as a crank for operating the link 61. The link 61 is'mo-ved from full llne position in Fig. 1 through a position indicated by broken lines 69. 7

When the link 61 starts on its travel in a leftward direction the first action thereof on the pawl 54 is to swing it on the pivot post 53 in a clockwise direction. The pawl 54 will swing in this direction until the lug 56 on the pawl 54 engages the stop 5O on the slide block 50. Ii hen lug and stop are en,- gaged further pivotal movement of the pawl 54 is impossible and the slide block will then be moved to the left in the annular channel 48. When the link reaches the position shown by the dotted lines 69 the pawl 54 and slide block 50 occupy positions indicated by dotted lines 71 in Fig. 1. When the link starts to move to the right the first action which takes place is the pivoting movement of the pawl 54 in an' anti-clockwise direction. This swings the pawl so that the teeth thereof en-- gage the teeth on the tong 19. This engagement prevents further rotational movement of the pawl on its pivot and causes the entire tong to rotate. This operation of the ratchet and associated mechanism takes place until the upper part of the drill pipe has been rotated until an uncoupling has been accomplished.

Referring to Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive, I will explain the second form of my invention. The second form of my invention utilizes the same parts as the first form, with the exception of the link 61, the pawl 54, the slide block 50, the teeth 58 and the parts directly associated therewith.

In substitution for these parts the second form of my invention provides an arm 90 which is pivotally supported on a shoulder 91 provided on the upper end of the vertical shaft 28 above the cam member 80. Secured to the upper end of the vertical shaft 28 above the arm 90 is a drive sprocke 92. Supported at the outer free swinging end of the arm 90 is a vertical shaft 93 to which is secured a driven sprocket 94. The sprockets 92 and 94 are drivably connected together by a sprocket chain 95. Also secured on the shaft 98 is a gear 97. When the vertical shaft 28 is rotated the driven sprocket 94 is caused to rotate. This will rotate the shaft 93 and the gear 97.

The tong 19 is provided at its upper end with a gear 98, which is formed on the same pitch as the gear 97. Formed on the frame 22 is an arm 99 which extends upward and is adapted to be engaged by a portion of the arm 90. The arm 99 acts as a stop against which the arm 90 is moved so that the gear 97 can move no farther towards the gear 98 than proper. operating position. For the purpose of holding these gears in mesh I provide a weight 101 to which a flexible member102 is connected. The flexible member l02'extends over a pulley 103 and is connected to an eye 104 of the arm 90.

During the time that the joint' is being broken, as. explained with reference to the first form of my invention, the arm 90 is swung so that the gear 97 does not engage thegear 98 of the tong 19. After the joint has been broken and the handle 64 removed from place the arm 90 is allowed to swing by the action of the weight 101 until this arm '90 engages the arm 99. The operating mechanism is then operated and the vertical shaft 28 caused to rotate. As previously explained the gear 97 is rotated by the sprockets and chain connected to the vertical shaft 28. Due to the engagement between the gears 97 and 98 the tong 19 will be rotated and the joint uncoupled. i

In the precedin description I have referred to my invention as being associated with a certain design of joint breaking mechanism. I wish it to be understood that my invention may be used separately or may be used in conjunction with other types of breaking mechanism. I further wish it to be understood that by use of the term tong and by the use of. the term drill pipe I do not intend to limit myself to these particular parts. For example, the invention may be used in connection with any member which is connected together by screw-thread joints. In place of using a tong on the member to be rotated I may use any member designed to provide the parts necessary to my uncoupling mechanisms. The purpose of'using a tong in the embodiments of my invention shown is to permit the breaking mechanism to be used in conjunction therewith.

By reversing the relation of certain parts of the mechanism so that the tong would operate the drill pipe in the opposite direction, my invention may be used for rotating a member for the purpose of coupling two members together.

I claim as my invention:

1. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipecomposed of lengths connected together by screw-joints said combination including: voiding means adapted to engage said pipe on one side of a joint; a member adapted to be secured to said pipe on the other side of said joint; a drive element disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a break-out means between said drive ele ment and. said member for imparting an intial rocking movement to said member to reak said joint; and uncoupling means independently operable by said drive element for subsequently imparting intermittent rotary movement to said member to complete the unscrewing of said joint.

2. A. combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: holding meansadapted to engage said pipe on one side of a joint; a member adapted to be secured to said pipe on the other side of said joint: a drive element disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a break-out means operable by said drive element for imparting an initial rocking movement to said member to break said joint; and uncoupling means between said drive element and said member for subsequently imparting unlimited rotary movement to said member to complete the unscrewing of said joint, said break-out means and said uncoupling means being adapted to be separately disconnected to permit each to operate inclependently of the other.

3. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: holding means adapted to engage said pipe on one side of a joint; a member adapted to be secured to said pipe on the other side of said joint; a drive element disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a cam on said drive element; an arm extending from said member and adapted to be engaged by said cam to impart'aninitialrockingmovemerit to said member to breaksaid joint; a rotary element associated with said drive element; and means for transmitting rotary movementfrom said rotary element to said member to complete the unscrewing of said joint, sai-d arm being adapted for removal from the path of said cam after breaking-out of the joint to permit complete rotation of said member.

4. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: a rotatable member adapted to embrace and be secured on the pipe against rotation relative thereto and having an annular gear surrounding said pipe; a drive shaft disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a radius arm journaled to swing about the axis of said shaft; a driving gear journaled on the free end of said radius arm; motion transmitting means between said shaft I and said driving gear; and means for swinging said radius arm to intermesh said driving gear with the annular gear of said rotatable member and for holding said driving gear in mesh with said annular gear.

5. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: a rotatable member adapted to embrace and be secured on the pipe against rotation relative thereto and having annular gear surrounding said pipe; a drive shaft disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a radius arm'journaled to swing about the axis of said shaft; a driving gear j ournaled on the free end of said radius arm; motion transmitting means between said shaft and said driving gear; and yieldable means for swinging said radius arm to intermesh said driving gear with the annular gear of said rotatable member and for holding said driving gear in mesh with said annular gear. w

6. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: a rotatable member comprising separable sections adapted to embrace and be secured on the pipe against rotation relative thereto and having toothed portions forming an annular gear surrounding said pipe when said member is secured on the pipe; a drive shaft disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a radius arm journaled to swing about the axis of said shaft; a driving gear j ournaled on the free end of said radius arm; motion transmitting means between said shaft and said driving gear; and means for swinging said radius arm to intermesh said driving gear with the annular gear of said rotatable member and for holding said driving gear in mesh with said annular gear.

7. A combination for use in the uncoupling ofpipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints said combination including: holding means adapted to engage said pipe on one sideof a joint; a rotatable member adapted to embrace and be secured to said pipe 'on the other side of said joint and having an annular gear surrounding said pipe; a drive shaft disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe; a cam on said shaft; a follower member on said rotatable member adapted to be engaged by said cam to impart an initial rocking movement to said member to breali said joint; a radius arm journaled to swing about the axisof said drive shaft; a driving gear journalcd on tne free end of said radius arm; motion transmitting means between said shaft and said driving gear; and means for swinging'said radius armto interm'esh said driving gear with the annular'gcar of said rotatable mem ber and for holding said driving gear in mesh with said annular gear, whereby said member will be rotated to complete the unscrewing of the joint, said cam follower being adapted for'removal from the path of said cam to permit complete rotation of said member.

8. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe lengths connected together by screw joints, said combination including: means adapted tohold said pipe on one side of a joint; a member adapted for securement to said pipe on the other side of said joint; a drive element; a cam on said drive element; means extending from said member and adapted for engagement by said cam to impart an initial rocking movement to said member to break said joint; a rotary element associated with said drive element; and means for transmitting rotary movement from said rotary element to said member to complete the unscrewing of said joint.

9. A combination as set forth in claim 8 in which said cam engagable means is adapted for adjustment out of engagement, with said cam after the joint is broken.

10. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe lengths connected together by screw joints, said combination including: a rotatable member adapted to embrace and be secured to said pipe at one side of a joint and including an annular gear surrounding said pipe; a drive shaft disposed in a fixed location at a point removed from said pipe; a radius arm journalled to swing about the axis of said shaft; a driving gear journalled on the free end of said radius arm; means for driving said driving gear; means for swinging said radius arm to intermesh said driving gear with said annular gear; and means for holding said driving gear in mesh with said annular gear.

11. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe lengths connected together by screw joints, said combination including: a rotatable member adapted to embrace and be secured on the pipe against rotation relative thereto; an annular gear on said rotatable member; a drive shaft disposed at a point removed from said pipe; a radius arm journalled to swing about the axis of said shaft; a driving gear journalled on the free end of said radius arm; means for driving said driving gear; and yieldable means for swinging said radius arm to intermesh said driving gear with said annular gear and for holding said driving gear in mesh with said annular gear.

12. A combination for use in the uncoupling of a pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: a member adapted to be secured to said pipe on one side of a joint; holding means adapted to engage said pipe on the other side of said joint; a drive element disposed in a fixed location away from said pipe, said drive element providing a cam surface and a rotary member; breaking means actuated by the movement of said cam surface for rotating said member to break said joint; and uncoupling means actuated oy said rotary element for subsequently rotating said member to completely uncouple said joint.

13. A combination for use in the uncoupling of pipe composed of lengths connected together by screw-joints, said combination including: holding means adapted to engage said pipe on one side of a joint; a member adapted to be secured to said pipe on the 

